MOT exemption or MOT exempt means being exempt from a regular MOT test. We all want to be safe on the road with our vehicles, and we need yearly MOT checks to ensure whether this action is safe. However, there are some exceptions and some cars can be exempted from an MOT. In this article, we will talk about them and the process behind them.
What Kind of Automobiles Are Excluded From MOTs?
MOT exemption includes cars that are over 40 years old. As of May 2018, cars that are over 40 years old no longer need to undergo an MOT test. This new legislation applies to vehicles registered before May 1978, and the exemption is a rolling date. For example, if your car was registered on August 1st, 1982, it would now be exempt. If you own a classic car that falls under this exemption, you must declare it a Vehicle of Historic Interest when applying for your Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax exemption). However, if you have made significant modifications to the car, it may not qualify for exemption.
Tractors and electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015 are also exempt from MOT testing. Meanwhile, lorries, buses, and trailers do not require a traditional MOT but instead undergo an ‘annual vehicle test.’
What Qualifies As A Significant Change?
If you have made significant alterations to the technical and main components of your car in the last thirty years, you may not be eligible for MOT exemption. The list of criteria that qualify as a ‘substantial change’ includes alterations to the suspension or steering, including axles and running gear, as well as any changes in the number of engine cylinders compared to the original. Any changes to the chassis of the car also count as a substantial change, except for replacements of the same pattern as the original. The Monocoque body shell or ‘structural skin’ of the car, including any sub-frames, also count as a substantial change.
Furthermore, if your car has been given a ‘Q’ registration number due to doubts about its age or identity, it is not eligible for MOT exemption. This also applies to kit cars assembled from components from different makes and models of vehicles, kit conversions, or reconstructed classic vehicles, as defined under DVLA guidance. It is worth noting that it is near impossible to keep a car running in perfect condition for 40 years without the occasional repair.
What Doesn’t Qualify as a Significant Change?
Changes made with the intention of enhancing safety or using original replacement parts or those with the same design are not classified as substantial changes. These changes consist of the following:
- Replacement parts acquired to fix the car when the original components are no longer in production or obtainable.
- A bodyshell that has the same design as the original during the time the vehicle was manufactured.
- Modifications to the axles and running gear, but only if done to enhance efficiency, safety, or environmental performance.
How do I claim MOT Exemption?
Declaring your vehicle as exempt from MOT testing cannot be done by simply not taking your car for the MOT test. Instead, you need to complete the V112 Form, which is available on the GOV website. The form is straightforward to fill out, requiring only your vehicle registration number, full name and signature, and confirmation that you are accurately registering your vehicle as exempt from MOT testing.
What Is Exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty?
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as ‘road tax’, is a mandatory tax for most vehicle owners. However, if your car is over 40 years old and exempt from MOT, you are also eligible for VED exemption. It is important to note that while you do not have to pay the tax, it is still mandatory to have your vehicle taxed.
To apply for VED exemption, you must visit a Post Office in person as online applications are not available. You will need to bring your vehicle’s logbook, a vehicle tax reminder letter (if you have one), and the V112 form to prove your car’s MOT exemption. The Post Office will send your logbook to the DVLA, who will then send you an updated logbook reflecting your VED exemption status. You will receive a letter notifying you when your tax is due to expire – even though you do not have to pay, you are still required to have your vehicle taxed by law. Failure to do so could result in an £80 fine.
What if my automobile is only now turning 40 years old?
The law regarding 40-year MOT exempt is a rolling one, meaning it takes effect when your car reaches 40 years of age, regardless of the specific date. For instance, if your car was registered on December 31, 1982, it will be exempt from MOT starting on January 1, 2023.
How can I claim my car to be MOT exempt?
Before a vehicle can be eligible for exemption from MOT, it must go through the DVLA historic vehicle registration process. Once completed, the vehicle owner must then fill out a V112 form, which is called the ‘Declaration of exemption from MOT.’
This form can be obtained online or at your local Post Office, and you will need to complete one for each classic vehicle you own. To fill out the form, you will require your vehicle tax reminder, the log book, and if you reside in Northern Ireland, an insurance certificate or cover note as well.
Making more cars MOT exempt carries any risks?
The potential hazards related to the alteration in the law have not been overlooked. A government consultation concerning the policy was participated in by over 2,000 members of the public. Among those surveyed, 56% objected to the proposal, stating that vehicles utilizing public roads must undergo an annual safety inspection.
Important checks for automobiles exempt from the MOT
We advise performing regular and thorough checks on your vehicle’s roadworthiness, even if it falls under the new 40-year MOT exemption rules. These checks should include but are not limited to:
- Brake performance
- Fluid levels such as engine oil, brake fluid, etc.
- Tyres and tyre treads
- Lights and bulbs
Windshields and windshield wipers
